In 2006, 1.5 million people fled Iraq. According to a UNHCR report, 33 million refugees around the world sought asylum that year.

Waleo and his family got in line. They didn't know where they would end up, they just knew there was nothing left for them in Iraq.

"We went and explained our situation. They transferred our papers to the Canadian embassy. We had many appointments," said Waleo matter-of-factly.

While the family awaited approval, Waleo set about learning basic English, just in case he was lucky enough to be relocated to North America.

"The embassy said, 'You're going to Vancouver'," he said. The family had never heard of the city. "We had to Google it."

When he saw Vancouver online, with the mountains, the ocean, the green space and the multicultured mosaic of citizens, he was ecstatic.

The family arrived in 2008. Like other GARS (government-assisted refugees), they arrived owing $5,000 to cover the cost of their transportation.

"I made the last payment last month toward the $5,000 in airfare," said Waleo with pride. He's been working as a security guard.

He brushed off suggestions that the debt is unfair.

"We wanted to live in peace. My mom and dad wanted us to establish a future. It's okay."

Waleo recalled, "At first, when we arrived, it was kind of like a honeymoon."

The family was installed at the Burrard Inn. They walked around downtown, soaking it all in.

"You have the resettlement assistance program to help you," said Waleo. "The government gives you adequate money, there are people to help you."

The family was soon settled in a rental home in the Edmunds area of Burnaby: Vancouver's little Baghdad - without the violence or sectarian divisions.

Iraqi refugees made up 24 per cent of all assisted refugees who landed in British Columbia this year. Of those, 184 were Iraqi, a mix of Shiite and Sunni. The Waleo family is Sunni.

"There are many Iraqi refugees here. We are part of a community, we have friends, there is a store close to us where you can buy halal and basic Arabian food," said Waleo.

Now the honeymoon is over, and the hard work has begun, but for Waleo, who speaks excellent English, and is headed to Kwantlen college next fall to study criminology, it's been joyful.

"My brothers are in high school. It's perfect. We love it. Vancouver is the most livable city in the world. We were so lucky."

Waleo has eagerly adapted to Canadian society. "I just want to hang out with Canadian people," he said.

Waleo hooked up with My Circle, a youth program for new Canadians, and he mixes with Canadians of all backgrounds.

"When you come to a new country, you start your life from zero, you have to pull up from nothing."

It's a challenge that excites Waleo, it's a battle he wants to fight.

"In Iraq the violence between Shiites and Sunni is led by political leaders. Here it's just humans living and working together, and it's not political ... they are motivated and encouraged by community living, living in peace."

Waleo's story of resilience and determination is one that has been replayed over and over again in Canadian society, said Chris Friesen, director of settlement services for the Immigrant Services Society of B.C.

That the family has found itself in an enclave of other Iraqi refugees can be very positive.

"It's the same as early Vancouver history," said Friesen.

"Italians were on Commercial Drive, Poles were on Fraser Street, the Germans were on Robson. It's normal for resettled refugees to want to be near each other."

Concentrations of Arab-speaking newcomers, or any shared language, facilitates community, structure and the ability to find first-language services.

Waleo said being in the Burnaby-Edmunds community does help his parents, for whom the transition has been more challenging. They're learning English, but have no jobs yet.

But Waleo and his younger brothers are happily integrating and finding their rung on the ladder. "This is a multicultural society. That's what I love about Canada."

dryan@vancouversun.com

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Iraqi family escapes ethnic, political strife for peace in Canada

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